Wearable infant sleep apparatuses

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments for wearable infant sleep apparatuses (“WISA”) are disclosed. The WISA includes a plurality of fasteners that include a first and second fastener sets; a first side; and a second side positioned opposite the first side. The first side fastener is affixed to the first side. The second side fastener is affixed to the second side. WISA&#39;s “open” state includes an unfastened first side fastener, second side fastener, and the plurality of fasteners. WISA&#39;s “closed” state includes a fastened first side fastener, second side fastener, and plurality of fasteners. A neck opening is positioned adjacent to the plurality of fasteners. Arm openings are positioned adjacent to the first fastener set and the first side fastener. Arm openings are also positioned adjacent to a second fastener set and the second side fastener. The first arm opening is positioned opposite the second arm opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/760,317 filed Nov. 13, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wearable apparatuses and specifically to wearable infant sleep apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants typically sleep for fifteen hours or more a day. During this time, infants may be easily disturbed and require frequent attention from care providers (e.g., parents, family members, etc.). Infants may cry due to excessive heat, wet diapers, hunger, desire for comfort items (e.g., pacifiers), as well as similar contributing factors. However, some of the factors can be addressed by providing tactile input from the care providers. For example, an infant may be unhappy simply because its pacifier fell out of its mouth or it sensed the absence of the care provider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable infant sleep apparatus (“WISA”) in the “open” state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the WISA in the “open” state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the WISA in the “closed” state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the WISA in the “closed” state according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an infant wearing the WISA in the “closed” state according to some embodiments.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. As used herein, the term “dorsal” refers to positions that are located near, on, or towards the upper or top side of a structure.

Infants typically sleep for fifteen hours or more a day. During this time, infants may be easily disturbed and require frequent attention from care providers (e.g., parents, family members, etc.). Infants may cry due to excessive heat, wet diapers, hunger, desire for comfort items (e.g., pacifiers), as well as similar contributing factors. However, some of the factors can be addressed by providing tactile input (i.e. input of, relating to, or being the sense of touch) from the care providers. For example, an infant may be unhappy simply because its pacifier fell out of its mouth or it sensed the absence of the care provider.

Deep Pressure Stimulation (“DPS”), for example, is firm, but gentle, squeezing, hugging, or holding that relaxes the recipient's nervous system. This pressure can be applied with the hands, special massage tools, or wearable products that children can wear or wrap around themselves to provide pressure. DPS typically triggers a chain reaction in the body that releases an overall sense of calm and peace. Not to be limited by theory, as deep pressure is applied to the body, the body switches from its sympathetic nervous system to its parasympathetic nervous system. This is the switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”. The sympathetic nervous system (“SNS”) is the “alert” system in the body. SNS is the one in charge when one faces stressful situations (e.g., driving through heavy traffic in a storm or when you receive an unexpected bill in the mail).

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system (“PSNS”), however, brings a sense of calm and peace to the mind and body. For example, when the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, heart rate slows, muscles relax, and circulation improves. The body produces endorphins, which are the “happy” hormones that, for example, induce positive feelings after a good run. As deep pressure is applied to the body, PSNS comes online, inducing a calming sensation and bringing a sense of well-being. In tandem with the aforementioned change comes a release of dopamine and serotonin, which are the feel-good neurotransmitters of the brain. For example, these hormones help with motivation, impulse control, attention, memory, social behavior, sleep, and digestion. Unfortunately, when the SNS takes the lead for too long, feelings of being anxious, tired, on edge, and irritable often result, which can affect sleep as well as the digestive system.

Embodiments disclosed herein seek to provide wearable infant sleep apparatuses (“WISA”). Some aspects of WISA seek to provide DPS to stimulate the user's PSNS and thereby facilitate the release of dopamine and/or serotonin in the users.

Referring now to the figures. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a wearable infant sleep apparatus (“WISA”), generally 100, in the “open” and “closed” states, respectively, according to some embodiments. For example, to provide warmth and comfort to infants, one or more components of WISA 100 are fabricated using textile materials, including, but not limited to, cotton, muslin, microfleece, velboa, fleece, pile fabrics, napped fabrics, natural materials, synthetic materials, plush material, as well as other apparel materials. WISA 100 is worn on the person of an infant. WISA 100 has an “open” state and a “closed” state. As used herein, the “open” state refers to a fastened configuration that exposes the internal portion of WISA 100, for example, to thereby receive the infant. As used herein, the “closed” state refers to a fastened configuration that restricts access to the internal portion of WISA 100, for example, when the infant dons WISA 100. In certain aspects, the fastened configuration resembles a wearable pouch-like structure that, in the “closed” state, exposes the user's head and arms and covers the torso and legs.

WISA 100 includes main body 101, which includes first segment 110 and second segment 130. First segment 110 and second segment 130 are affixed to and positioned adjacent to each other. For example, first segment 110 is positioned proximate to second segment 130. In other embodiments, first segment 110 includes first neck region 112, first arm region 114, and second arm region 120. For example, first neck region 112, first arm region 114, and second arm region 120 are indentations formed on the periphery of first segment 110 and positioned opposite (e.g., distal to) second segment 130. In other embodiments, first neck region 112 is positioned opposite second segment 130. First arm region 114 is positioned adjacent to first neck region 112. Second arm region 116 is positioned adjacent to first neck region 112 and opposite first arm region 114.

In yet still other embodiments, second segment 130 includes second neck region 132, third arm region 134, and fourth arm region 136. For example, second neck region 132, third arm region 134, and fourth arm region 136 are indentations formed on the periphery of second segment 130 (e.g., distal to first segment 110). Second neck region 132 is positioned opposite (e.g., distal to) first segment 110. Third arm region 134 is positioned adjacent to second neck region 132. In some aspects, fourth arm region 136 is positioned at the end of second segment 130, adjacent to second neck region 132, and opposite third arm region 134.

As reflected in FIG. 3-4, in the “closed” state, main body 101 includes, first side fastener 146, second side fastener 148, first side 240, second side 250, neck opening 200, first arm opening 210, and second arm opening 220. In other embodiments, first side 240 is positioned opposite second side 250. First side fastener 146 is affixed to first side 240 and second side fastener 148 is affixed to second side 250. For example, first side 240 is formed when first side fastener 146 couples first side 122 to first side 142. In the same vein, second side 250 is formed when second side fastener 148 coupled second side 124 to second side 144. As discussed above, the “open” state reflects an unfastened configuration where first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148 are unfastened.

The figures depict first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148 as zippers. For example, first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148 are affixed to main body 101 via stitching with non-stretchable thread, bonding, or similar affixing method. Applicable fasteners include, but are not limited to, zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop type fasteners, snap type fasteners, and similar reversibly interlocking fasteners. For example, in the “open” state, first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 146 are unfastened to allow main body 101 to unfold into first segment 110 and second segment 130. In yet still other embodiments, in the “closed” state, first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148 are fastened. For example, when main body 101 is in the “closed” state, neck opening 200 is positioned at an end of main body 101, first arm opening 210 is positioned adjacent to neck opening 200, second arm opening 220 is positioned adjacent to neck opening 200, and first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148 are fastened, which allow first segment 110 and second segment 130 to fold on to each other.

In yet still other aspects, first arm opening 210 and second arm opening 220 are positioned adjacent to first side fastener 146 and second side fastener 148, respectively. Neck opening 200 is positioned adjacent to first arm opening 210 and second arm opening 220. When first segment 110 and second segment 130 are brought together they form components of the “closed” state. For example, neck opening 200 includes first neck region 112 and second neck region 132. In other words, first neck region 112 and second neck region 132 come together to form neck opening 200. As such, in the “closed” state, first neck region 112 is positioned adjacent to second neck region 132, in some aspects. First arm opening 210 includes first arm region 114 and third arm region 134. In other words, first arm region 114 and third arm region 134 come together to form first arm opening 210. Hence, in the “closed” state, first arm region 114 is positioned adjacent to third arm region 134.

In other embodiments, second arm opening 220 includes second arm region 116 and fourth arm region 136. In other words, in the “closed” state, second arm region 116 and fourth arm region 136 come together to form second arm opening 220. Here, in the “closed” state, second arm region 116 is positioned adjacent to fourth arm region 136.

Some aspects of main body 101 include a plurality of fasteners, for example, first fastener 118, second fastener 120, third fastener 138, fourth fastener 140. Here, applicable fasteners include, but are not limited to, zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop type fasteners, snap type fasteners, and similar reversibly interlocking fasteners. For example, first fastener 118 is affixed to and positioned at the end of first segment 110 that is positioned adjacent to first arm region 114 and first neck region 112. In certain embodiments, second fastener 120 is affixed to and positioned at the end of first segment 110 that is positioned adjacent to second arm region 116 and first neck region 112. Third fastener 138 is positioned at the end of second segment 130 that is adjacent to third arm region 134 and second neck region 132, in accordance with other embodiments. In some embodiments, fourth fastener 140 is positioned at the end of second segment 130 that is adjacent to fourth arm region 136 and second neck region 132.

For example, in the “closed” state, first fastener 118 is reversibly coupled to third fastener 138 and thereby forms a first fastener set, which is included in first shoulder region 260. First shoulder region 260 is positioned adjacent to neck opening 200 and first arm opening 210. Similarly, second fastener 120 is reversibly coupled to fourth fastener 140 and thereby forms a second fastener set, which is included in second shoulder region 270. Second shoulder region 270 is positioned adjacent to neck opening 200 and second arm opening 220. Second segment 130 includes load component 230, which is configured to provide tactile input (discussed above) to thereby reduce anxiety and/or insomnia in infant users when the infant wears the WISA 100 in the “closed” stated. For example, load component 230 can be graspable by the infant while being worn. To produce tactile input, load component 230 is preferably weighted (e.g., 30-60 grams).

For example, to provide the desired weight, load component 230 includes polymer (e.g., polypropylene), metals, and/or alloys in the form of pellets, discs, and/or beads. In certain embodiments, load component 230 is a three-dimensional structure. Load component 230 preferably configured as a child-friendly animal (e.g., butterfly, lion, zebra, hippopotamus, unicorn, or other animal capable of presentation in a child-friendly manner). In other embodiments, load component 230 can include cartoon characters, animals, animal faces, toys as well as other objects. In some embodiments, load component 230 can be presented as an animal face with components that are graspable by the infant/toddler. For example, load component 230 can be a butterfly having wings that extend from WISA 100 and are graspable. In other embodiments, one or more loop components are affixed to WISA 100. For example, the loop components can function as pacifier attachment sites. First side fastener 146 reversibly couples first side 122 of first segment 110 to first side 142 of second segment 130 when main body 101 is in the “closed” state. First side fastener 146 is affixed to first side 122 and first side 142, in accordance with certain embodiments.

Second side fastener 148 is reversibly coupled to second side 124 of first segment 110 to second side 144 of second segment 130 when main body 101 is in the “closed” state. In the “closed” state, first arm opening 210 and second arm opening 220 are each oriented around an arm 310 of infant 300, reflected in FIG. 5. Similarly, in the “closed” state, second arm opening 220 is oriented around a second arm 310 of the infant.

In yet still other embodiments, WISA 100 includes openings (e.g., elastic openings, zippered openings, fastenable openings, and/or similar openings) at the bottom to allow infants/toddlers to walk around while wearing the WISA 100. In certain embodiments, WISA 100 is long sleeved.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A wearable infant sleep apparatus comprising: a main body configured to be worn on the person of an infant comprising: a plurality of fasteners comprising a first fastener set and a second fastener set; a first side; a second side positioned opposite the first side; a first side fastener affixed to the first side; a second side fastener affixed to the second side; an open state wherein the first side fastener, the second side fastener, and the plurality of fasteners are each unfastened; a closed state wherein the first side fastener, the second side fastener, and the plurality of fasteners are each fastened; wherein the closed state comprises: a neck opening positioned adjacent to the plurality of fasteners; a first arm opening positioned adjacent to the first fastener set and the first side fastener; a second arm opening positioned adjacent to a second fastener set and the second side fastener; wherein the first arm opening is positioned opposite the second arm opening; the main body is configured to receive the infant in the open state only; and the main body comprises a fabric.
 2. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body unfolds into a first segment and a second segment when in the open state; and the first segment is positioned adjacent to the second segment.
 3. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the open state, the first segment comprises: a first neck region positioned opposite the second segment; a first arm region positioned adjacent to the first neck region; and a second arm region positioned adjacent to the first neck region and opposite the first arm region.
 4. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 3, wherein in the open state, the second segment comprises: a second neck region positioned opposite the first segment; a third arm region positioned adjacent to the second neck region; and a fourth arm region positioned adjacent to the second neck region and opposite the third arm region.
 5. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 4, wherein the neck opening comprises the first neck region and the second neck region; the first neck region is positioned adjacent to the second neck region; the first arm opening comprises the first arm region and the third arm region; the first arm region is positioned adjacent to the third arm region; the second arm opening comprises the second arm region and the fourth arm region; and the second arm region is positioned adjacent to the fourth arm region.
 6. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first segment comprises: a first fastener; a second fastener; the first fastener is included in the first fastener set; adjacent to the first arm region and the first neck region; the second fastener is included in the second fastener set; and positioned at the end of the first segment adjacent to the second arm region and the first neck region.
 7. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second segment comprises: a third fastener; a fourth fastener; the third fastener is included in the first fasteners set; positioned adjacent to the third arm region and the second neck region; the fourth fastener is included in the second fasteners set; and positioned adjacent to the fourth arm region and the second neck region.
 8. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second segment comprises a load component configured to provide tactile input; and the load component is graspable and weighted.
 9. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first side fastener is configured to reversibly couple a first side of the first segment to a first side of the second segment when the main body is in the closed state.
 10. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second side fastener is configured to reversibly couple a second side of the first segment to a second side of the second segment when the main body is in the closed state.
 11. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first arm opening is configured to be oriented around a first arm of the infant when the main body is in the closed state.
 12. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second arm opening is configured to be oriented around a second arm of the infant when the main body is in the closed state.
 13. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 12, wherein the load component comprises a polymer or a metal
 14. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 13, wherein the load component is a three-dimensional structure comprising pellets, discs, and/or beads.
 15. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 14, wherein the load component comprises an animal, an animal face, a cartoon character, or a toy.
 16. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 15, wherein the load component is 30-60 grams.
 17. A wearable infant sleep apparatus comprising: a main body configured to be worn on the person of an infant comprising a plurality of fasteners comprising a first fastener set and a second fastener set, a first side; a second side positioned opposite the first side, a first side fastener affixed to the first side, a second side fastener affixed to the second side, an open state wherein the first side fastener, the second side fastener, and the plurality of fasteners are each unfastened, a closed state wherein the first side fastener, the second side fastener, and the plurality of fasteners are each fastened; wherein the closed state comprises a neck opening positioned adjacent to the plurality of fasteners, a first arm opening positioned adjacent to a first fastener set of the plurality of fasteners and the first side fastener, a second arm opening positioned adjacent to a second fastener set of the plurality of fasteners and the second side fastener; wherein the first arm opening is positioned opposite the second arm opening; the main body is configured to receive the infant in the open state only; the main body comprises a fabric; the second segment comprises a load component configured to provide tactile input, and the load component is 30-60 grams; the load component comprises one or more of pellets, discs, and beads; the load component is graspable; the load component is a three-dimensional structure; and the load component comprises an animal, an animal face, a cartoon character, or a toy.
 18. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 17, wherein in the open state, the main body unfolds into a first segment and a second segment; and the first segment is positioned adjacent to the second segment.
 19. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 18, wherein in the open state, the first segment comprises: a first neck region positioned opposite the second segment; a first arm region positioned adjacent to the first neck region; and a second arm region positioned adjacent to the first neck region and opposite the first arm region; in the open state, the second segment comprises: a second neck region positioned opposite the first segment; a third arm region positioned adjacent to the second neck region; and a fourth arm region positioned adjacent to the second neck region and opposite the third arm region; the neck opening comprises the first neck region and the second neck region; the first neck region is positioned adjacent to the second neck region; the first arm opening comprises the first arm region and the third arm region; the first arm region is positioned adjacent to the third arm region; the second arm opening comprises the second arm region and the fourth arm region; and the second arm region is positioned adjacent to the fourth arm region.
 20. The wearable infant sleep apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first segment comprises first fastener and a second fastener; the second segment comprises a third fastener and a fourth fastener; the first fastener is included in the first fastener set; adjacent to the first arm region and the first neck region; the second fastener is included in the second fastener set; and positioned at the end of the first segment adjacent to the second arm region and the first neck region; the third fastener is included in the first fasteners set; positioned adjacent to the third arm region and the second neck region; the fourth fastener is included in the second fasteners set; and positioned adjacent to the fourth arm region and the second neck region 